B.C. government puts First Nations bill on hold until after election

The B.C. government will delay bringing in groundbreaking legislation affecting aboriginals until after the May 12 provincial election.

The government and First Nations leaders issued a joint statement Saturday saying many concerns have been raised over a discussion paper on the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act.

The statement said it's important to take the time to make sure the changes are done right.

The proposed legislation is part of an effort by the province to redraw the aboriginal map of British Columbia.

The proposed legislation would amalgamate First Nations, reducing their official number from more than 200 to less than 25.

The statement was signed by Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations Mike de Jong, Regional Chief Shawn Atleo of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit.